Open House What needs to be done to check spread of vector-borne, viral diseases?

Early detection mechanisms crucial

Rising swine flu (H1N1) and dengue fever cases are becoming a concern for public health in Ludhiana. Swine flu is the more contagious of the two, and it has the potential to spread through droplets, causing fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Most swine flu patients only need symptomatic relief, so staying hydrated, taking pain relievers for fever and headaches, and resting may be beneficial. However, the flu can be more dangerous for certain groups, such as infants and the elderly, especially those with pre-existing health problems. Dengue, on the other hand, is a painful and debilitating mosquito-borne disease spread by the bite of Aedes Aegypti mosquito carrying the virus. Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus typically live in and around homes, breeding in stagnant clean water that has accumulated from rain, gardening and even car washing. Dengue fever can cause retro-orbital pain, bone-breaking fever, and, in severe cases, death. Early detection and medical intervention are critical for both Dengue and swine flu, as they reduce the risk of severe complications and promote a quick recovery. To stop them, health officials and the community must work together.

Novin christopher

Personal hygiene is all important

During the monsoon, the number of vector-borne diseases in Ludhiana is significantly higher. This is a worrying situation. According to reports in the Ludhiana Tribune, 60 patients have been infected with the dengue virus, with two deaths suspected in the city as of the second week of this month. Vector-borne diseases are illnesses that spread to humans and animals via vectors like mosquitos, ticks, sandflies and fleas. These vectors thrive in warm, humid environments, so the monsoon proves ideal. Mosquitoes, in particular, breed in stagnant water that accumulates in containers, puddles, and open drains during heavy rains. Ticks, which live in grassy and wooded areas, can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and typhus. To prevent vectors from breeding, check and clean containers such as flower pots, birdbaths and gutters on a regular basis. Sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin provide personal protection against mosquito bites. Use these measures, especially at dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks can help prevent bites when exploring grassy or wooded areas. Light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to see, lowering the risk of bites. Emphasise the importance of community-led efforts in combating vector-borne diseases. Initiatives such as clean-up drives to remove stagnant water, educational campaigns on preventive measures, and timely reporting of potential mosquito breeding sites to local authorities are critical for outbreak control. Maintaining personal hygiene and a balanced diet, as well as eating fresh fruits, all help to combat vector-borne diseases and their spread.

Sukhdev Sharma

Avoid self-medication, seek expert care

The Ludhiana district has reported 90 swine flu cases this year, the highest in the last eight years. So far, there have been 60 dengue cases, which too is an alarming number. Swine flu (H1N1) is caused by a virus transmitted via airborne droplets, whereas dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day and breeds in stagnant water. Swine flu is contagious and spreads like seasonal flu, with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, chills, weakness, body aches, runny nose, difficulty breathing, headache, near-fainting, loss of appetite and fatigue. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, so they should get flu shots before winter arrives. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands frequently. If infected with the virus, self-isolate for seven days. Prompt testing can also help prevent the spread of influenza. Free swine flu tests and medications should be available in government hospitals. Dengue fever symptoms include an abrupt onset of high fever, severe frontal headache, and pain in the muscles, joints and behind the eyes. If any of these symptoms appear, people should seek medical attention and have their blood tested right away. Also, people should avoid self-medication and only seek medical attention. Residents should use mosquito/insect repellents and wear clothing that completely covers their arms and legs. In accordance with the slogan ‘Paani thehrega jahaan, machhar panpega wahan’, people should mark every Friday as a ‘drying day’ and empty all discarded tins, tyres, empty pots, broken bottles, flower pots and so on to prevent mosquito breeding in and around their homes. Health workers and breeding checkers should inspect suspected breeding areas and destroy any larvae found. Fill the pits around your home with sand. Fogging should be a top priority for the civic body.

RS SEMBhi

Replace water in desert coolers

Every year, we are face with and suffer from a variety of diseases, including dengue, chikngunya, malaria, and swine flu. It is the responsibility of the government to provide medical facilities in civil and private hospitals to treat dengue patients. The government should direct the management of all hospitals to reserve one ward for dengue patients. The other duty that citizens have is to keep their surroundings and environment clean and to encourage others to do the same. To avoid mosquito bites, full-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent creams. Prevent water from accumulating in the surroundings or at home. One should ensure the living space and surroundings are hygienic and clean. Replace the water in desert coolers once a week. The government should make extensive use of electronic and print media to educate people about these diseases, their causes, symptoms, and treatments, but only with the assistance of expert doctors. People should not spread rumours in order to cause panic among the general public. Special programmes should be implemented in schools and colleges to raise awareness.

Dr mohd saleem farooqui

Install wire netting on doors, windows

This is affecting the health of many people. To prevent this, mosquito breeding sources should be identified and eliminated, stored water should be properly covered so that vector breeding sites are reduced. If you are in or going to an insect-infested area, you should cover your legs and wear long-sleeved clothes to protect your skin. Similarly, insect repellents can protect clothing. Install wire netting on doors and windows to prevent insect infestation. Avoid visiting areas known for the spread of insect-borne diseases. Similarly, insect repellents can protect clothing. Install mesh nets on doors and windows to prevent insect infestation. Avoid visiting areas known for the spread of insect-borne diseases. Other things that the government can do include monitoring disease outbreaks using reporting systems and data collection to identify trends and hotspots, promoting vaccination programmes for preventable viral diseases, and educating and informing communities about disease prevention, vector habits and protective measures (for example, using repellents and wearing protective clothing).

Sehaj Mittal

Awareness drives critical in outskirts

Dengue and swine flu cases are increasing in Ludhiana on a daily basis, which is a cause for serious concern. Stagnant water, garbage piles and uncovered sewage have become breeding grounds for mosquitos, which are common vectors of such diseases. The municipality should conduct regular inspections for stagnant water in potholes and open sewers. Besides, underground pipes must be maintained to ensure proper drainage during the monsoon. Residents play an important role in keeping the area clean by not dumping garbage in open spaces. They must ensure that there is no stagnant water in buckets, pots, coolers, or any other containers. Public awareness campaigns, particularly on the outskirts of the city, are critical for informing people about the spread and symptoms of these diseases, as well as how to prevent them. These collaborative efforts can make a significant difference in controlling the spread of diseases.

Kirandeep Sood

Prevention prime responsibility of govt

A sound mind lives in a sound body, and a nation’s development is dependent on its citizens’ responsiveness and sensitivity. Every year, we face and suffer from a variety of diseases, including swine flu, dengue fever, chikungunya, malaria and swine flu. It is the responsibility of the governments to apply and implement various policies to eradicate vector-borne diseases across the country. We should keep our surroundings and environment clean, and encourage others to do the same. It is said that prevention is better than cure, so to avoid mosquito bites, wear full-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent creams. One should ensure that the living area and surroundings are hygienic and clean. Replace the water in room coolers once a week. The government should make extensive use of electronic and print media to educate people about these diseases, their causes, symptoms, and treatments, but only with the assistance of expert doctors. People should not spread rumours to instil fear in the public. The public should support and collaborate with the government and their fellow citizens to eradicate vector-borne diseases.

Farzana khan

Public should help contain diseases

We are undertaking anti-larvae inspection drives at vulnerable public and private places to check the breeding of mosquitoes and flies. The public should ensure a clean environment and contribute to dengue prevention with the support of anti-larvae teams. In case of fever, headache, muscle pain and fatigue, the nearby health centre or doctor should be consulted. —Dr Pardeep Kumar, LUDHIANA civil surgeon

QUESTION

A recent government survey has identified at least 1,394 points from where pollutants were flowing into waterbodies across 23 districts of the state. What needs to be done to check the widespread water pollution ?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (Sept 26)